RaboDirect Pro12 outfit Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of South African centre Andreis Strauss on a two-and-a-half year contract.

Strauss - a two-time Currie Cup winner and Super Rugby semi-finalist - will link up again with head coach Alan Solomons, who was his boss at Southern Kings. The 29-year-old arrives in the northern hemisphere with 56 Super Rugby appearances to his name from his time with Solmons and spells with Cheetas and Sharks.

He joins brother Richardt Strauss - who is hooker for Leinster and Ireland - in the Pro12 and awaits a medical to be completed before linking up with his new team-mates in training on Monday.

Strauss, who has been capped for South Africa at Sevens level, said: "I'm very excited to be here. I said during the World Sevens series that, if there was a city in the UK that I'd like to play rugby in, then it would be Edinburgh.

"So I'm very happy to get this chance in one of the best cities in the world. I've spoken a lot to my brother Richardt about the strength of the RaboDirect. Hopefully my experience in the southern hemisphere will benefit me when playing here."

Solomons admits he is delighted to be able to link up with Strauss once again.

"Strauss is a very mature player with a lot of Super Rugby and Currie Cup experience. He did a fantastic job as captain of the Kings.

"He's a big boy, is genetically strong and his conditioning is superb. He's a natural athlete and will make a valuable contribution to Edinburgh both in terms of playing and leadership. It's fantastic that he joins us now because he is immediately available."